Adventure Fiction in 2023 is the topic of our post today!
The year 2023 has been quite a ride for us all, hasn’t it? A perfect year to dive into the heart-stopping, palm-sweating, adrenaline-pumping world of adventure fiction. Let’s just say, if your daily life has been a bit too humdrum lately, I’ve got just the remedy you need. It’s time to set sail, scale mountains, explore unknown territories, and do it all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot.
Over the past few months, I’ve been on a quest of my own, navigating through the sea of new releases to bring you a meticulously curated list of the best adventure fiction of 2023. Some of these titles took me to the edge of the world, others to parallel universes, and a few even had me chasing after hidden treasures. But enough of the sneak peeks, let’s get to the good stuff, shall we?
So, buckle up, fellow bibliophiles, it’s time to venture into the exhilarating world of adventure fiction. Here are the gems of 2023 that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re an avid adventurer, a casual reader, or a student of mine looking for a good book to read (yes, I’m looking at you), there’s something here for everyone. Let the adventure begin!
Related: 20 Best Classic Adventure Books of All Time
Best Adventure Fiction in 2023
Here are the top picks for Adventure Fiction in 2023
1. Slip Runner, by J.N. Chaney, M.F. Lerma
Slip Runner, by J.N. Chaney and M.F. Lerma, is a science fiction novel set in an alternate future where corporations have taken over the world and people must fight to survive on their own terms. The protagonist is Cole, an ex-smuggler who has been given a mission to retrieve alien salvage in exchange for credits.
As he embarks on his mission, Cole encounters a previously unknown sector that changes everything and puts his life in danger. Slip Runner is an exciting adventure story full of suspense and intrigue as Cole works to complete his mission while struggling against the odds.
2. The House at the End of the World, by Dean Koontz
Katie, a former rising star in the art world, has retreated to Jacob’s Ladder island to live alone in her fortresslike stone house. The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a mysterious government research facility and two agents have arrived on Jacob’s Ladder with an unknown purpose. The animals of the island are in a state of alarm due to a greater threat.
Katie must fight this mysterious enemy in an epic and terrifying battle, aided by a brave young girl who appears during the chaos. The stakes are supremely high, as failure could lead to the end of the world.
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling
At the beginning of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter is living an unhappy life with his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. His parents had died when Harry was still a baby and he is unaware that they were wizards. Harry’s life changes when he receives a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he quickly finds himself immersed in a world of magic and adventure.
Harry’s journey at Hogwarts is filled with thrilling challenges as he battles dragons, duels his way through a maze, and ultimately faces off against the evil Lord Voldemort. Along the way Harry makes friends and discovers secrets about his past that will help him save the wizarding world.
[Related: Best New Mystery Books 2023]
4. Project Hail Mary: A Novel, by Andy Weir
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a last-chance mission, tasked with saving humanity and the Earth itself. His memory is foggy, but he slowly remembers the nature of his assignment—an impossible task that seems to be up to him alone.
With no one else around and time running out, it’s up to Ryland to unravel an impossible scientific mystery in order to save the human species. Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir is an exciting interstellar adventure that takes readers on a journey of discovery, speculation and survival.
5. A Court of Silver Flames, by Sarah J. Maas
Nesta Archeron has led a difficult life since being forced into the Cauldron against her will, and becoming High Fae. The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit.
A dangerous new alliance threatens the fragile peace that has settled over the realms, and Cassian and Nesta must face their haunting pasts in order to save it. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas tells the story of how Nesta and Cassian navigate through a world filled with danger, secrets, and passion.
6. Cradle of Death, by Matt James
In Cradle of Death, archaeologist and former Special Forces veteran Elliot Oxley is thrust into a centuries-old war after discovering an ancient alien artifact deep beneath a Dead Sea cave in the West Bank. The ‘Cradle’, an advanced energy core, has the potential to be used as an incredibly destructive weapon, so it is up to Elliot and a small team to protect it from falling into the wrong hands.
Along the way, they must survive attacks from murderous zealots and heavily armed mercenaries as they race against time to prevent a terrible prophecy from being fulfilled. Cradle of Death is a thrilling action-adventure story filled with suspense, excitement, and mystery.
7. The Broken One, by Brittney Sahin
Ella Mae Hawkins has grown up with four older brothers on a ranch in Texas, her heart belonging to a man she can never have. When the opportunity comes up for her to pursue her dreams of fashion in Paris, but with the same man who had said he was too dangerous for her as part of the deal, she takes it.
Jesse McAdams, a former Army Ranger, has been away from his small town for half of his life. But one woman has always owned his heart and he can never let her know how he really feels. With an offer to join the team at Falcon Falls Security, Jesse hopes it will bring him redemption—but instead lies are exposed, placing a target on everyone he cares about.
Now, Ella Mae and Jesse find themselves in danger—and Ella Mae is falling for her brother’s best friend all over again. The Broken One follows the story of two star-crossed lovers fighting against secrets and lies to claim their happily ever after.
8. A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin
A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin, is set in a mythical world of kings and queens, knights and nobles, where winter has the power to bring danger and destruction to those not prepared for its arrival.
The story centers around Eddard Stark of Winterfell and his family who rule in King Robert Baratheon’s name, and they must face the threat of the Wildlings from beyond the wall to the north, as well as a mysterious enemy from the south.
9. The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbit, written by J. R. R. Tolkien, is the prelude to The Lord of the Rings series, and tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in a hole in the ground. Bilbo’s peaceful life is disrupted when a wizard named Gandalf and a group of dwarves arrive on his doorstep, asking him to join them on a quest to reclaim the dwarves’ lost treasure from an enormous dragon named Smaug. Along his journey, Bilbo encounters many magical creatures and experiences several thrilling adventures before ultimately discovering the power of the Ring.
10. He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure, by Shirtaloon
He Who Fights with Monsters, by Shirtaloon is a thrilling novel that follows the career jump of middle manager Jason to interdimensional adventurer.
Jason wakes up in a world full of magic and monsters and must use his courage, wit, and magic powers to face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, and monsters.
With 13 million views on Royal Road and perfect reviews, He Who Fights with Monsters is sure to be one of the best adventure fiction books in 2023.
11. Time of the Twins, by Tracy Weis, Margaret; Hickman
Time of the Twins is the first title in the second Dragonlance novel trilogy. Written by Tracy Weis and Margaret Hickman, it tells the story of a group of adventurers on a quest to save their world from destruction.
The novel follows their journey as they battle dragons, magic, and evil forces that stand in their way. Time of the Twins is an excellent addition to any library of adventure fiction and will surely captivate readers who love epic fantasy tales.
12. Song of Darkness, by J.N. Chaney, Terry Maggert
Van and his crew go on high alert when Tony Burgess captures an alien ship in Wisconsin, realizing it is part of a group’s plan to use humanity as a business opportunity. Torn between two duties, Van decides to find a third way instead of giving up the safety of either his crew or his home.
In order to protect both, he is forced to resort to violence. This is Song of Darkness, a thrilling adventure story written by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Van’s quest for justice in 2023.
Song of Darkness takes readers on an action-packed journey as Van and his crew battle against a powerful force to save humanity from the digital plague. With political manipulations, betrayals, and high-tech gadgets, this story is sure to be one of the best adventure fiction in 2023.
13. The Way of Kings: Book One of the Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson is a gripping adventure set in the world of Roshar. Human civilization has been shaped to adapt to the frequent storms that sweep across the land, and cities are only built in areas that provide shelter from them.
The story follows two main characters: Kaladin, a slave who has traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his younger brother, and Brightlord Dalinar Kholin, who commands one of the ten armies that are fighting against an unknown enemy. The story follows their journey as they battle enemies and try to unravel the secrets of an ancient text known as The Way of Kings.
14. The Lost Metal: A Mistborn Novel, by Brandon Sanderson
With an immortal kandra serving as their guide, Wax and Marasi soon find themselves up against another god: Trell, worshipped by The Set. Meanwhile, they are also recruited by offworlders whose goal is to protect Scadrial at all costs.
To save the planet and its people from ruin, Wax must decide whether he will forge a new path or remain on his current one. With the stakes so high, The Lost Metal: A Mistborn promises to be one of the best adventure fiction in 2023.
Final thoughts
From scaling alien landscapes in “Slip Runner” to navigating through the politics and magic of the wizarding world in “Harry Potter,” this year’s adventure fiction lineup has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. It’s like every author decided to take the dial and crank it up to eleven. Whether it’s the sci-fi thrills of Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” the emotional and magical depths of Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Silver Flames,” or the high-stakes geopolitics in “Cradle of Death,” there’s been something for every kind of adventure junkie.
Source:
Best Sellers in Action and Adventure Fiction– Amazon
